[Sen. Terry Link] said this year’s bill would include ample money for oversight. He also promised it would be much more streamlined than the 500-page previous version that Gaming Board Chairman Aaron Jaffe has called a “Christmas tree bill.”

“It can get so top heavy that nobody wants to be a supporter,” Link said. “… Everyone thinks we’re going to be making billions of dollars off of this. The whole point of this is to try to get money for schools and possibly a capital development bill.”

Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont wants even more limits in place and a better evaluation of the impact of video gaming machines at restaurants and bars around the state. Yet, with Democrats’ current veto-proof majorities in the House and Senate, Radogno said she expects the proposal will be pushed this year.

“It’s a perennial issue, but I think what will drive it (this time) is the fact that Democrats have not done what they need to do to get spending under control and they’re looking for revenue,” she said.

She might be right, though, even if it is an election year.

* The Question: Do you think some form of gaming expansion will happen this spring? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.

No - Not it is strictly scrutinized.
It won’t save horse racing.
It lacks needed safeguards.
It won’t generate the revenue they need.
Downstate Democrats will wake up and see Chicago benefits and the State loses,

I voted yes but meant to vote no. I think if will wait until veto session or next lame duck. A couple of factors against the bill. First it will need republican votes in the House but I can’t see Durkin letting that happen before the election. Two, the oddles of money that Chicago will eventually get I don’t think Rahm wants that tied up with the pension debate. If they try to “fix” the Chicago pension problem they want the employees to take some pain and that will be harder to do if there is other potential revenue sources.

I voted “Yes” because Illinois’ revenue needs are increasing. Also, expanded gaming may provide some much needed jobs.
But then the astute observers on this blog point out the political angles.
I’m naive. I just want to get some jobs and money to folks that are hurting more and more. But in Illinois, I guess politics trumps all that.